A Guide To Asthma Relief

By James Redder

One of the most worrying global health trends in recent years is the number of asthma sufferers; it wasn't that long ago that asthma only affected a small percentage of the population. Although it is treatable, asthma is still a chronic condition which affects the function of breathing of every person who is affected by it. This is a respiratory condition that when not treated properly can easily result in death, if the attack is not attended to in time or is severe.

Keeping a constant check on their condition is the most important step for an asthma sufferer. The specific medical treatment depends on the severity of the condition and the frequency of symptoms and specific treatments for it are broadly classified as:

*Preventative medications

*Relief medications

*Treating serious or life threatening attacks

For short term relief for all patients Bronchodilators are recommended but those with occasional mild attacks need no other medication; this form of medication is the one that many asthmatics will only ever need.

For sufferers with mild persistent attacks, low-dose glucocorticoids, leukotriene modifiers or a mastcell stabilizer are to be taken in addition to relievers. The use of oral glucocorticoids is reserved for patients with a serious asthma condition. Whatever the level of severity they experience all sufferers have a traditional reliever to aid them. It is also important that asthmatics learn what actually triggers an attack so they are able to stay clear of the triggers and possibly stop attacks completely. This particular respiratory problem has become to be recognized as a condition that is most associated with poor air quality and the reason why city dwellers are more likely to suffer.

Although the specific medications can help the situation it is far better if they can be avoided where possible; prescription drugs may also cause serious side effects such as:

*Feelings of constant tiredness

*Dizziness

*Impotence

*Depression

*Damage to the liver

Increasingly patients with respiratory conditions are opting for more natural remedies that do not have side-effects. These are formulated to treat the condition and not the effects. Every attack weakens the body's system a little as it becomes hyperactive where the task of the catalyst in medication is to calm and soothe this hyperactive system. Natural medications provide natural organic catalysts to the body that restore balance in the system and thereby eliminate all the symptoms without any side effects.

Breathing techniques such as pranayam, buteyko and yoga practices are also helpful to asthma sufferers as they naturally help the breathing and the general well-being of patients. Drugs can leave residues which complementary therapies do not and the immune system can be strengthened by nutritional supplements. The main focus however, should be on the asthma patient learning to control their own condition.